Oleksandr Usyk's manager, Egis Klimas, anticipates a formidable challenge for his fighter as they gear up to face WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury on February 17th in Saudi Arabia. The clash aims to determine the undisputed king of the heavyweight division. Having achieved undisputed world champion status at cruiserweight in 2018, Usyk faces Fury, who is fresh off a non-title crossover bout with MMA star Francis Ngannou. Despite securing a split decision victory, Fury's performance raised eyebrows. Klimas acknowledges the difficulty of the impending match, citing Fury's height, long reach, and unconventional style as factors complicating the search for suitable sparring partners. Nevertheless, Klimas expresses confidence in Usyk's abilities, emphasizing his footwork, intelligence, and boxing IQ as decisive factors. Reflecting on Usyk's journey from cruiserweight to dominating the heavyweight division, Klimas highlights the disbelief surrounding Usyk's capabilities in the higher weight class. Grateful for the opportunity to work with Usyk, Klimas anticipates a sensational showdown, proclaiming it to be "the biggest show" in boxing.

Jake Paul Chickens Out In an unexpected turn of events, the world of combat sports was rocked recently when Jake Paul, the controversial YouTube sensation turned boxer, made a startling announcement: he was turning down his highly anticipated CALL OUT to a bare-knuckle fight against veteran fighter Joe Riggs. This shocking decision has left fans and critics alike questioning Paul's resolve and commitment to the sport. Introduction Jake Paul, known for his polarizing persona and unconventional path into the boxing world, was CALLED OUT to face off against Joe Riggs, a seasoned fighter with years of experience in various combat disciplines. The CALL OUT was generating significant buzz, promising a clash of styles that could have rewritten the narrative surrounding both fighters. However, the CHICKEN OUT has cast doubts on Paul's willingness to step into the ring against a formidable opponent. Jake Paul's Rise in Combat Sports Since transitioning from YouTube stardom to the world of professional boxing, Jake Paul has been a lightning rod for attention. His impressive victories against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib and former NBA player Nate Robinson showcased his raw talent and drew a younger demographic to the sport. With his unorthodox journey, Paul quickly became a headline-grabbing figure, drawing millions of eyes to his fights. Joe Riggs: A Battle-Hardened Veteran On the other side of the equation is Joe Riggs, a battle-hardened veteran of the combat sports world. Riggs has competed in various organizations, including the UFC, Strikeforce, and Bellator. With a wealth of experience under his belt, Riggs was seen as a stern test for Jake Paul's boxing skills. The bout was poised to be an intriguing clash of generations, pitting a YouTube sensation against a seasoned fighter. The Shocking Decision The announcement of Jake Paul's decision to CHICKEN OUT of the bare-knuckle CALL OUT against Joe Riggs sent shockwaves throughout the combat sports community. Fans had been eagerly anticipating a real showdown, hoping to witness whether Paul could prove himself against a fighter with legitimate experience. The reason behind Paul's CHICKEN OUT remains unclear, leaving room for speculation and skepticism. Implications for Jake Paul's Reputation While Jake Paul's decision is sure to disappoint many fans, it also raises questions about his dedication to the sport of boxing. With his meteoric rise and media presence, critics have often accused Paul of being more interested in spectacle than in truly honing his craft as a fighter. This decision to CHICKEN OUT of a legitimate match against a seasoned opponent might further solidify these opinions. Conclusion In the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports, the unexpected can always occur. Jake Paul's surprising choice to TURN DOWN The CALL OUT to a bare-knuckle fight against Joe Riggs has left the industry and its fans in a state of shock. The decision not only impacts Paul's credibility as a fighter but also raises questions about the true motivations behind his actions. As the story continues to unfold, one thing remains certain: the world will be watching closely to see how both Jake Paul and Joe Riggs navigate this unexpected turn of events.

In the aftermath of BKFC 56's gripping showdown in Salt Lake City, Dillon Danis, the outspoken fighter, has thrown down the gauntlet, eyeing a bare-knuckle brawl against the newly crowned 'King of Violence,' Mike Perry. Perry, with a pristine 4-0 record in bare-knuckle boxing, showcased his prowess once again at BKFC 56, securing a TKO victory over former UFC champion Eddie Alvarez. His dominant performance catapulted him into the spotlight, generating buzz about potential matchups with UFC veterans Jorge Masvidal or Anthony Pettis. However, despite Perry's omission of Danis from his list of prospective opponents, 'El Jefe' boldly seized the opportunity to issue a challenge, declaring on 'X,' This audacious callout arrives on the heels of Danis' lackluster professional boxing debut against Logan Paul, where he struggled to make an impact in the ring. Despite criticism and doubts stemming from that performance, Danis remains undeterred in his pursuit of a showdown with Perry. Yet, skeptics view Danis' challenge as more of a publicity stunt, considering his unconvincing boxing skills and the subsequent dismissal of a potential UFC deal by CEO Dana White following his bout with Paul. As of now, Perry has yet to respond to Danis' callout. With an unblemished BKFC record and victories over formidable opponents like Michael Page, Luke Rockhold, and Alvarez, Perry stands as a proven force in the realm of bare-knuckle fighting. The question remains: what does Danis hope to achieve by challenging Perry, a battle-tested pugilist? Will this audacious proposition gain traction or fade into obscurity, dismissed as a mere publicity ploy? The combat sports community awaits Perry's response, speculating on whether he will entertain the challenge or brush it aside in pursuit of bigger names. In the unpredictable world of fighting, Danis' callout injects a dash of drama, leaving fight enthusiasts pondering the possibilities and implications of this unexpected verbal skirmish.

In a seismic upheaval at UFC Austin, Arman Tsarukyan’s lightning-fast knockout victory over Beneil Dariush has sent shockwaves through the UFC's lightweight landscape, leaving Dana White, the organization's head honcho, contemplating the tangled web it’s created within the division's title contention. The headline bout at the recent Fight Night event was a brief but explosive affair, culminating in a mere 64 seconds when ‘Akhalkalakets’ unleashed a stunning knee-to-punch combination, sending Dariush into a sudden slumber. This emphatic finish marks Tsarukyan’s third consecutive triumph, following wins over Joaquim Silva by TKO and a decision victory against Damir Ismagulov. Notably, his record boasts an impressive 8-1 streak since his short-notice loss to Islam Makhachev in 2019. White, addressing the media during the post-fight press conference, admitted, “It does [throw a wrench into things]. I mean, you definitely have to look at how he looked tonight. And I don’t know, we’ll see what happens.” The UFC CEO further fueled speculation, suggesting a potential rematch between Tsarukyan and Makhachev could set the Octagon ablaze, particularly citing its appeal in the Middle East. "[The fight will be] Big. Yeah, it’s a great stylistic matchup. That’s a great fight,” remarked White, hinting at the blockbuster potential of the rematch. Initial plans had revolved around booking a showdown between Charles Oliveira and Islam Makhachev. However, Tsarukyan’s recent meteoric rise has thrown a spanner into the works, compelling the UFC to reevaluate their championship aspirations. With a stellar Octagon record of 8-2, Tsarukyan’s only defeats have come via decisions against Mateusz Gamrot and Islam Makhachev, the latter loss potentially hinting at a riveting rematch in the division. As the dust settles and the lightweight division bristles with anticipation, fight enthusiasts eagerly await the UFC's decision. Who will Makhachev face next? The question looms large, inviting fervent discussions and speculation among fans in the electrifying aftermath of Tsarukyan's latest triumph.

In the blistering aftermath of a triumphant bantamweight debut, Deiveson Figueiredo, the former flyweight kingpin, isn't knocking on the UFC's door for a title shot. But he's certainly polishing his gloves for the opportunity, making it clear he's more than game for the challenge. Figueiredo’s recent victory over Rob Font showcased his seamless transition to the 135-pound division. Addressing reporters at the UFC Austin post-fight conference, the Brazilian powerhouse confidently expressed his readiness to vie for the UFC bantamweight crown. "I'm a former champion in the division below, proving I deserve this chance," asserted Figueiredo. "Rob is among the best, and I want to test my mettle. If they hand me the title shot, count me in." With Sean O'Malley currently holding the divisional throne, Figueiredo exudes a palpable self-belief in his ability to dismantle the champ if given the opportunity. "O’Malley boasts impressive striking, but I trust my team and our strategy," Figueiredo asserted. "Training alongside Henry Cejudo, a division great, and a strategic mind, I bring a lot of jiu-jitsu to the table. While I prefer brawling, I’d finish O’Malley if the fight hits the ground." As O'Malley gears up for his first title defense, set for UFC 299 against Marlon Vera, Figueiredo stands poised on the sidelines, eyeing the summit with a blend of confidence and anticipation. Figueiredo's proclamation resonates with the spirit of a warrior ready to conquer new horizons. If fate aligns the stars, the clash between Figueiredo's grappling prowess and O'Malley's striking brilliance could electrify the Octagon and etch a new chapter in UFC's bantamweight history.

Middleweight fighter Kasanganay achieved victory not just in the ring but in life itself. His journey, which started with living on a farm and battling professional and personal struggles, has now catapulted him to PFL stardom. Kasanganay's resurgence began with a win over Jared Gooden, leading to a coveted spot on the PFL's Challenger Series. A decisive knockout against Osama Elseady secured his entry into the light heavyweight tournament. Remarkably, four consecutive victories later, Kasanganay emerged not only as a champion but also a millionaire. Reflecting on the stark contrast of his life just 12 months ago, Kasanganay revealed, “This time last year I was living on the farm, I had just got done living out of my car and my teammate’s couch.” He recounted his unique living situation surrounded by pythons, chickens, cows, cattle, sheep, and peacocks on a Doral farm near the Everglades. Despite the challenges, Kasanganay maintained a positive mindset, separating professional struggles from personal ones. Raised with a strong work ethic and accountability as the son of Congolese immigrants, he found solace in his front seat during the time he lived out of his car. “When I got to that car, it was the only place I could be peaceful, in that front seat,” he shared. “It was probably one of the best times in my life, too.” Kasanganay's journey involved working odd jobs and maintaining a disciplined training routine. He resisted seeking help from friends and family, opting to stay with a teammate but choosing the couch over a bed. Living on a minimal budget, he continued going to the gym and channeled any earnings toward his training. Throughout the challenging period, Kasanganay never entertained the thought of quitting, crediting his resilient mentality to the influence of his mother, father, and sister, who instilled in him the value of hard work. “I owe it to them,” Kasanganay affirmed. “When God calls you to do something, you stick with it, no matter how you feel.” Now residing in Delray Beach with a PFL championship to his name, Kasanganay's journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience, patience, and unwavering determination.

Mike Perry emerged victorious against Eddie Alvarez in Salt Lake City. Perry's relentless performance left Alvarez's corner with no choice but to halt the fight at the end of the second round. While Perry stirred the pot by calling out UFC superstar Conor McGregor in his post-fight interview, the likelihood of such a matchup appears distant. In a more pragmatic approach, Perry turned his attention to another former UFC lightweight champion, Anthony Pettis, during the BKFC 56 post-fight press conference "One name that did come to mind that I did mention before I fought Alvarez was Anthony Pettis," Perry stated. "I think that’s an amazing fight. He just beat Roy Jones Jr. in a boxing match. I think he’s intrigued by the bare-knuckle aspect. I had fun with Eddie, but it happened exactly how I said it was going to happen." Perry, known as "Platinum," expressed confidence in a potential matchup with Pettis, citing the excitement generated by the latter's recent boxing victory over Roy Jones Jr. Perry emphasized the fulfillment of his predictions in the Alvarez bout and drew parallels with a Kimbo Slice backyard fight, suggesting that Pettis, like Alvarez, might be enticed to engage. However, Perry made it clear that if the Pettis fight doesn't materialize, his next opponent must possess a substantial following and the ability to draw interest in their matchup. Perry asserted that he isn't willing to be the sole promoter of his next fight, underscoring the importance of a marketable dance partner in his bare-knuckle journey.

Former WBC featherweight world champion, Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo (24-2, 16 KOs), is gearing up for his return to the ring on December 9th. Magsayo, a native of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, is set to face off against Isacc Avelar (17-6, 10 KOs) from Aguascalientes, Mexico, in an 8-round junior lightweight clash. In an exclusive pre-fight interview, Magsayo shared insights into his preparations for the upcoming match. Working closely with Coach Marvin Somodio, Magsayo emphasized the focus on refining various aspects of his game, particularly pacing himself better to endure the later rounds. The move to the junior lightweight division is expected to bring added strength, making a significant difference in weight management. Regarding his opponent, Avelar, Magsayo acknowledged the Mexican fighter's toughness and heart, recognizing the need to bring his A-game for a successful outcome. While expressing confidence in his ability to secure a victory, Magsayo hinted at a strategic approach, aiming to finish the fight early but remaining prepared to go the distance if required. Magsayo also highlighted the pivotal role this fight plays in his career, envisioning it as a stepping stone to becoming a two-division world champion at 130 pounds. He emphasized the importance of gaining recognition in the new weight class, having previously faced top-tier opponents in his recent bouts. Additionally, Magsayo expressed joy that the fight will be broadcast live, enabling his fellow Filipinos to witness the event in real-time. Proudly representing the Philippines, he emphasized the significance of following instructions and securing a victory for his countrymen. As the date approaches, anticipation builds for a thrilling matchup between Magsayo and Avelar, promising an exciting night for boxing enthusiasts globally.

Liverpool's Liam Smith is eager to step back into the ring for a potential trilogy with Chris Eubank Jr. The two fighters have a history, with Smith initially upsetting Eubank with a fourth-round knockout in January at AO Arena in Manchester, England, only for Eubank to secure vengeance with a dominant 10th-round stoppage in their rematch eight months later. While Eubank is exploring a matchup with Conor Benn, the British Boxing Board of Control's recent refusal to sanction a fight involving Benn due to unresolved drug test issues has left Eubank's next move uncertain. In an interview with Boxing News, Smith expressed his willingness for a third bout with Eubank, stating "I’d love that to happen. If you ask me right now, I’d pay money out of my own pocket to fight Chris again. That’s one that eats away at me." Smith acknowledged the possibility that Eubank might opt for other opportunities instead of pursuing a trilogy, but he remains open to the idea. He emphasized being in no rush to return to the ring, eyeing a comeback in March with a focus on recovery and preparation rather than the pressure of making weight. As a free agent, Smith is in talks with various promoters about his future, including Matchroom, which promoted him previously. Discussions with Matchroom and other options are underway, and Smith, despite coming off a loss, feels optimistic about the big fights that lie ahead. "The people I’m talking to now are basically asking me 'when?'" Smith revealed. "I’m pretty sure they’ll offer me a fight in March. I’ve spoken to Matchroom last weekend, and I’ve got a couple of other options at the moment. I’m coming off the back of a loss, but I’m still in a good place, still got options, left, right, and center. I’m pretty sure I’ll be in big fights."

Brooklyn's standout amateur, Pryce Taylor (1-0, 1 KO), entered the professional boxing scene with a bang last Friday night at Melrose Ballroom in Queens. The 6'4", 265-pound Taylor, a former U.S. amateur boxing star, marked an impressive start to his pro career by securing a first-round stoppage against Mike Diorio on the undercard of a Prime Time Promotions event. Taylor, a two-time New York Golden Gloves Champion with four runner-up performances in the USA National Championships, showcased his prowess by dropping Diorio twice with devastating body shots. The referee halted the contest at the 2:40 mark of the opening round, prompting Taylor's corner to throw in the towel. Expressing his joy after the fight, Taylor stated, “It was the best feeling in the world to have the whole place filled with my supporters. I was able to show off my boxing skills in front of everyone.” Taylor's manager, Keith Sullivan, a New York City-based lawyer, lauded the 27-year-old's debut performance. Sullivan emphasized Taylor's strategic approach, focusing on technique rather than raw power, and commended his ability to stay composed in the ring. Looking ahead, Taylor is already scheduled for his second professional bout on December 16th against Christopher Arnold (5-3, 5 KOs). The four-round bout is set to take place at Sony Hall in New York City's iconic Times Square, as part of a Boxing Insider Promotions event. Sullivan commented on Taylor's future prospects, stating, “It’s important to get that first pro win out of the way. It’s a big leap from the amateurs that not many are capable of making. As an amateur, Pryce was rated as the sixth-best heavyweight in America, and in the top 10 percent in the world. The skills and hunger are clearly there.

Oleksandr Usyk's promoter, Alexander Krassyuk, is confident that the IBF, IBO, WBA, WBO heavyweight champion has a solid three years of prime fighting left in his career. Usyk, who gained prominence as the undisputed cruiserweight world champion in 2018, is now on the cusp of potentially achieving the same status in the heavyweight division. Scheduled for a showdown on February 17 in Saudi Arabia, Usyk is set to face off against WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, with a two-way rematch clause embedded in their agreement. Given Usyk's age of 36, questions have emerged regarding the duration of his continued presence in the boxing arena. Some speculate that he might consider retirement, especially if a two-fight series with Fury concludes. However, Krassyuk dismisses such notions, expressing confidence in Usyk's longevity. "He’s 36 now and still has three years to go at his best. The only issue or concern we have is the health issue so that could be a problem. If his body is still ready to fight, then I don’t think he’s going to quit," Krassyuk stated in an interview with Betway. Krassyuk, who has been closely associated with Usyk since his professional debut in 2013, emphasized the champion's youthful spirit and his lack of experience in contemplating retirement. Drawing a parallel with former heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, Krassyuk highlighted that even after a four-year retirement, Klitschko returned to win the WBC belt, motivated by a genuine passion for the sport. Reflecting on Klitschko's example, Krassyuk noted, "The reason was not for the money but because he was missing the sport. He was a politician already and a businessman, but he missed it so much and despite being over 50, he is still in training. The Mayor of Kyiv still misses it, and when we speak about boxing, I still see the inspiration coming from Vitali." As Usyk prepares for the defining clash with Fury, his promoter envisions a future where the champion's dedication to the sport and his youthful energy will likely keep him in the boxing ring for a few more impactful years.

Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, has once again taken shots at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) following its acquisition of Bellator MMA. PFL founder Donn Davis defended the move, stating on “The MMA Hour” with Ariel Helwani that the purchase was the quickest and most effective way to build a roster comparable to the UFC's talent pool. White, however, remains visibly irritated at the prospect of a rival promotion actively working to enhance its standing in the industry. Expressing his disdain for the PFL-Bellator merger, White didn't hold back during the UFC Austin post-fight press conference. When asked about his thoughts on the acquisition, White sarcastically wished the newly merged promotion success, saying, “It’s f*cking hilarious, but yeah, good for them. I wish ’em all the luck in the world.” White continued his critique, offering harsh words about how he perceives both PFL and Bellator as organizations. “One shtty organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches buys another shtty organization that sells no tickets and nobody watches,” White remarked. “Sounds like a f*cking winner to me, boy, right? Woo!” It's notable that White's tone towards PFL turned more critical after Donn Davis highlighted the promotion's intention to capture a significant portion of the MMA market share. The UFC head has not taken kindly to PFL's mission and has consistently used public platforms to disparage the rival organization. A significant point of contention arose when PFL secured the signing of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Ngannou's contract with the UFC had expired while he was still a titleholder, leading to a breakdown in negotiations for a new deal. Upon PFL's announcement of Ngannou's signing, White escalated his criticism of the promotion, hurling verbal jabs in their direction. The feud between UFC and PFL appears to be escalating as both organizations vie for dominance in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.